There is much on all of our hearts for prayer today… First to mind comes the people of Haiti - along with all those around the world who are relatives of loved ones in Haiti, waiting for news, wondering, feeling helpless and wanting to be able to do something to bring help and hope in the midst of chaos that defies description. Also on our hearts on those who are able to be present and to bring help right now - aid workers, doctors, nurses, faith leaders, government agencies… I definitely recommend choosing an organization to serve as an ambassador for the help you wish you could presently give. Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, Compassion International, Red Cross, along with many church denomination relief agencies (check UMC (with whom I went to Haiti in 1998), PCUSA, PCA, among many others) are all on the ground and can be trusted to use your funds well.
Have other recommendations? Please leave a note of guidance in the comments.
Also very much on our hearts here at IJM are a few critical operations at hand. I want to bring one to your attention for your prayers tonight. In a South Asian city for whom we have often waged much prayer, there is a rescue operation unfolding tonight, and as is sometimes the case, there are many ways this operation could be thwarted. The lives, dignity, and freedom of approximately 15 children are at stake in this operation. Please pray for:
-shrewd wisdom on the part of our staff team
-excellent collaboration with the authorities
-courage for the children as the operation unfolds
-safety for all involved
What is on your mind and heart tonight - how can we be in prayer?
GAiN USA (Global Aid Network) the Humanitarian Aid Arm of Campus Crusade for Christ has already sent in help and has more ready to send as soon as they have the finances to distribute it. Check out the website GainUSA.org for more details
prayers as requested for your South Asian operation…
Praying for the staff and those precious children. God, grant us your favor and rescue.
Praying for courage, wisdom, peace, love, and rescue.
Praying for God to bring freedom to those children… Oh, what a glorious day for them!
As I read and sang Psalm 23 very slowly and reflectively a few times this morning, I was deeply comforted in a way I’ve not been in quite a while. I was half imagining myself fighting slavery in India or Cambodia while reading it. I’ll include it here (and in the NET translation, since a different translation sometimes helps us hear God’s words in a fresh way) so that it may be an encouragement to the staff in South Asia :
23:1 The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
23:2 He takes me to lush pastures,
he leads me to refreshing water.
23:3 He restores my strength.
He leads me down the right paths
for the sake of his reputation.
23:4 Even when I must walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff reassure me.
23:5 You prepare a feast before me
in plain sight of my enemies.
You refresh my head with oil;
my cup is completely full.
23:6 Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days,
and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.
Yesterday, I was reading the story of Hagar, who left home because she was being “mistreated”. I was encouraged by her statement that “You are the God Who sees me.”
He is El Roi - the God Who sees. He sees the children, their oppressors and their rescuers. Praying He moves in mighty ways.